Glacier FarmMedia – A European Parliament decision last month to adopt new rules for what it calls new genomic techniques (NGTs) is good news for agriculture and international trade, say industry and academic experts. “Science has been under a very dark cloud for a long time in Europe, and so now I think we’re seeing […] Read more
Tag Archives Genetic engineering
EU loosens rules for new genomic techniques
A recent decision by the European Parliament could open opportunities for crop development and international trade
Genetic engineering of microbes lower fertilizer dependence
Science Notes: Nitrogen-fixing microbes could help crops pull nitrogen from the air
Helping crops acquire nitrogen from the air could be a sustainable solution to meeting crop nutrient requirements with less synthetic fertilizer. A team of bacteriologists and plant scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have written a paper that discusses the possibility of using genetic engineering to facilitate mutualistic relationships between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes called […] Read more
Federal gene editing policy expected soon
Those opposing the technology have delayed policy development
Glacier FarmMedia – Health Canada is expected to soon publish guidance on how gene-edited crops will be regulated. It appears the department will treat gene-edited crops differently from genetically modified (transgenic) crops, which means the oversight of gene-edited crops could be closer to conventionally bred crops. Gene editing is often described as removing or altering […] Read more
Genetic editing in livestock faces strong headwinds
University of California, Davis professor says lack of acceptance of gene editing stifles potential gains in livestock sector
Regulations on gene editing of animals are contributing to negative public perceptions of the technology and stifling innovation in the livestock sector, according to Alison Van Eenennaam of the University of California, Davis. A veteran science communicator and cooperative extension specialist in animal genomics and biotechnology, her professional and personal experience led her to believe […] Read more
Some GM crops could hit market without review
Traits that could have been achieved through traditional breeding might not require approval
Reuters – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a rule that will simplify or waive agency reviews of certain biotech farm products, including plants and seeds that have been genetically modified or engineered. As a result, some products could be sold to farmers without a USDA review — a move that comes despite concerns […] Read more
Pollen genes mutate naturally in only some strains of corn
Science notes: Breeders have reported some lines are more genetically stable than others
Pollen genes mutate naturally in only some strains of corn, according to Rutgers-led research that may lead to better breeding of corn and other crops. Scientists at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Montclair State University looked at gene mutations that arise spontaneously in corn plant pollen. Pollen grains are the male gametes, or reproductive cells, in […] Read more
How will gene-editing reach the farm?
Biotech advocates say regulatory clarity is critical, but not available in Canada
Biotechnology experts and supporters from the agriculture and medical sectors met in Toronto recently to discuss how Canada’s regulatory system could better enable the safe commercialization of gene-edited plants and animals. Hosted by Ontario Agri-Food Technologies and CropLife Canada, the March 7 meeting provided an overview of gene-editing regulations in various countries around the world. […] Read more
Canada joins group supporting gene editing
Twelve countries issued a joint statement in support of the plant breeding process
The federal government has come out in favour of gene editing. Or, more accurately, the Government of Canada believes gene edited crops can help farmers produce “safe and affordable food, feed, fibres, and energy in the 21st century.” The quote comes from a statement released in early November and was delivered during a World Trade […] Read more
China develops its own version of Enviro-pig
A researcher who worked on the University of Guelph Enviro-pig now works with Chinese universities
Chinese researchers are moving forward with a transgenic pig similar to the Enviro-pig developed at the University of Guelph. In a paper published May 22, in a biochemistry and chemical biology journal, scientists from South China Agricultural University and China Agricultural University, wrote about transgenic hogs that grow faster and have less impact on the […] Read more
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